Code Switch

What is Code Switch?

Code Switch is intense. Code Switch is fast-paced. Code Switch is [organized] chaos. And Code Switch is extremely fun. Code Switch is a two-day event (June 4-5, 2016). Diverse project teams brainstorm and create products and solutions to enhance economic opportunity, education, health, and safety in the African American and other underserved communities.

We provide breakfast, lunch, caffeine, wifi, and a beautiful space to work. You provide the creativity.

I heard Code Switch is a “Hackathon.” What is a Hackathon?

A hackathon is an event in which programmers, designers, project managers, community members who know about the problem being solved, and people who just want to learn about the app development process collaborate intensively on software projects. Projects ideas can be proposed by anyone (you don’t need to be a programmer).

Code Switch is a hackathon that seeks to achieve maximum social impact by expanding participation among members of underserved communities. We believe having a diverse set of people on teams leads to more effective solutions. Our goal is to work together to develop ideas for solutions for problems that affect Minnesotans. Code Switch projects can be technical or non-technical.

OK, give me some examples.

There are no fixed rules for what Code Switch project teams can work on. Anyone can propose a project (you don't have to be a techie). You don't have to have a detailed plan to propose a project. Projects can begin and end at Code Switch, so don't feel like proposing a project means you'll have to maintain them forever. Some projects will be created on the day of the event and some projects teams will decide to join forces. This is your event, you decide how you spend your time! If you have a project idea, post it below in order to get ideas and feedback prior to the event. Don't be shy, we are an open, supportive community who want to see you succeed!

Here are some example outcomes of potential projects:

An app that helps people find affordable housing

A get out the vote plan for your neighborhood

A website for discovering high performing schools

A service to locate nearby job openings

An interactive map that shows neighborhood living costs and economic opportunities

To get your creative juices flowing, we have also identified a few “challenge areas” for you to consider when thinking about projects:

Closing the Achievement Gap

Economic Opportunity

Civic engagement

Health & Wellness

Connected Cities: improve access and safety for communities of color

For more inspiration, have a look at the recent GeoCode 2.0 event where participants focused on issues of geography and technology in the Twin Cities.

Is this event for me? Really?

Yes. Code Switch is for everyone. Tired of seeing problems in your community continue to go unsolved, and, in many cases, get worse? Join us at Code Switch. You hold the key to understanding issues and opportunities in your own community. Code Switch is for you.

Ask yourself these questions:

Have you ever had the thought, “This service should be easier”?

Have you ever had an idea for how to strengthen your community but did not know how to get started?

Are you frustrated that you have been unable to use your skills to help solve critical social problems?

Are you curious about the entrepreneurial approach of the technical community and want to see how it works?

If you answered yes, then join us at Code Switch to help us find paths to closing gaps and create new opportunities. Register TODAY!

So what do I bring to this event?

The only thing that you absolutely must bring is yourself. If you plan on doing computer-oriented work, you’ll need a laptop. If you don’t have a laptop and still want to participate, please contact us at codeswitch@opentwincities.org.